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Central Algarve

Located conveniently close to Faro airport, golf in the central Algarve is dominated by 4 world-famous, high-quality resorts: Vilamoura, which includes the famous Old Course, has 5 courses, including the new Arnold Palmer course, Victora, which is now open. Vale do Lobo has two celebrated courses. Vila Sol has one of 27 holes. Quinta do Lago has two public courses, north and south, and two others with restricted access: San Lorenzo and Pinheiros Alto.

Victoria, Vilamoura. NEW COURSE

This Arnold Palmer design was opened in September 2004, and is intended to be the new jewel in Vilamoura's already glittereing crown. It is a very strong design that leaves you feeling very impressed and wanting to play it again. In contrast to some of the traditional tree-lined courses in the Algarve, Victoria is very open from the tee and invites you to get the driver out of the bag, but it's a long course that isn't easily overpowered. Lower handicappers will enjoy Victoria very much, but higher handicappers will not find it too intimidating. The club house and facilities are appropriately first class. The price tag will put off some golfers, but Victoria is going to be very popular nevertheless.

Our verdict: destined to be rated as one of the premier courses in mainland Europe.

Architect: Arnold Palmer

6,560 metres

Par 72

The Old Course, Vilamoura

There are longer, more difficult courses. There are courses with better fairways and greens. There are courses with better scenery. But the original Vilamoura course is the one everyone wants to play. Why? The answer is that this is a wonderfully understated layout and a pleasure to play from start to finish. Our most popular course, everyone wants to play there and tee times can be very hard to get at peak times. Some people book 12 months ahead.

Our verdict: No gimmicks here. Golf as it should be. Play it, but be prepared to book well in advance.

Architect : Frank Pennink

6,254 metres

Par 73

Handicap ; Men 24 Women 28

Pinhal, Vilamoura

Appropriately, pinhal means pine wood in Portuguese, and plotting your route among the umbrella pine trees is the real challege - you won't lose your ball, but you could spend some time chipping out if you play loose. The second course to be constructed in Vilamoura, it is a mature and respected course, although it's scenic qualities are reduced by considerable villa development. Probably the toughest course of the Vilamoura quartet, it is officially on the EGA rating system 2 shots harder than the Old Course.

Our verdict: A good course at the price. It plays long - high-handicappers might struggle among the trees. Very popular with our clients.

Architect : Frank Pennink

6,300 metres

Par 72

Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36

Laguna, Vilamoura

Laguna, in contrast to the other Vilamoura courses, is very open with few trees, the challenge coming from well-conceived water and sand traps. It is a very popular course that can be enjoyed by players on all handicap levels, and visitors can achieve good scores. But as Vilamoura's second most difficult course, it should not be treated lightly, especially if it's windy. With some real card-wrecker holes lying in wait, a course-planner is a good buy.

Our verdict: An enjoyable day's golf for all players, good value. Very popular with our clients.

Architect : Joseph Lee

6,133 metres

Par 72

Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36

Millennium, Vilamoura

A varied course, many holes are open and the key is how you handle the Atlantic winds. Some holes, by contrast, take you through very attractive pine woods. Finally, water comes into play towards the end. The course is always kept to a high standard, with great greens. On the EGA handicapping system, this is the easiest course in Vilamoura, so it might lack some bite for low-handicappers when the wind doesn't blow. Shares the same clubhouse as Laguna.

Our verdict: Some great holes, and no bad ones. Always an enjoyable day's golf.

Architect : Hawtree & Sons

6,200 metres

Par 72

Handicap ; Men 24 Women 28

Vila Sol

Located just outside Vilamoura, Vila Sol was the first Golf Course in Portugal partly designed by English architect Donald Steel. Highly rated, it was opened in 1991 and has been used twice as the venue of the Portugal Open, in 1992 and 1993. Water hazards throughout. A testing course recommended for better players.

Our verdict: a very solid design, a real championship course. This and the Old Course are the best in the Vilamoura area.

Architect :Donald Steel

6,189 metres

Par 72

Handicap ; Men 21 Women 35

Vale do Lobo Royal Course

Originally designed by Sir Henry Cotton, 'Rocky' Roquemore subsequently elaborated the original plans and laid out a wonderful test of golf. He has fashioned a course out of the unique Vale do Lobo land using the natural pine and eucalyptus trees, incorporating three man-made lakes to test the skills of the finest golfers. Attention to detail and concern for the natural environment play a major part in the course design, preserving as much of the natural forest as possible. The sixteenth hole, a par 3 carry over a ravine, is one of the most photographed in Europe, and is on our homepage.

Our verdict: expensive, but you will treasure that photograph of yourself on the tee at the 16th.

Architect : Sir Henry Cotton and William Roquemore

6,174 metres, buggy compulsory

Handicap ; Men 27 Women 35

Vale do Lobo Ocean Course

As its name implies, the Ocean Course provides attractive links-style holes adjacent to the Atlantic. There are parkland holes, too, through the Vale do Lobo estate. The front nine meanders gently inland with views to the distant Loulé hills. It is followed by the more difficult back nine, with greens set against the backdrop of white sand and blue sea. The combination provides a challenging course for golfers of all handicaps.

Our verdict: expensive, but beautiful

Architect : Sir Henry Cotton and William Roquemore

5,493 metres

Par 71

Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36

Quinta do Lago South

The Quinta do Lago estate is one of Europe's top golfing venues and an upmarket experience. 9 times host to the Portuguese open, the south course is one of the best known and established courses in the Algarve. Play either here or the north course course, they are both a class act.

Our verdict: One of the best

Architects : William Mitchell, William Roquemore and Joseph Lee

6,488 meters

Par 74

Handicap ; Men 27 Women 34


Quinta do Lago North (Formerly Ria Formosa)

The terrain of Ria Formosa, with the characteristics of the Algarve's sandy soil, covered by pine trees, heather and wild flowers, is identical to Quinta do Lago South's. But it offers very different challenges. The course has 4 magnificent par 5 holes. The par 4 are generally dog legs. The par 3 holes are influenced by the wind requiring very precise shots. Lakes on 13 & 18 make a good score more difficult.

Our verdict: like the south course, this is classy

Architects : William Mitchell, Joseph Lee and Rocky Roquemore

6,486 metres

Par 72

Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36

San Lorenzo

Currently rated number 8 course in continental Europe by Golf World Magazine. The variety of holes and the way they blend in with the natural environment of the Ria Formosa nature reserve gives added pleasure to playing this immaculately maintained course. Tee times can only be booked 24 hours in advance, unless you are staying at a Le Meridian hotel. Please contact us if you wish to stay there.

Our verdict: a great course, but difficult to book.

Architect . Joseph Lee

6,238 metres

Par 73

Handicap ; Men 24 Women 28

Pine Cliffs

Owned by the Sheraton Hotel, Pine Cliffs is associated with celebrity golfers - Nigel Mansell was its first president. The course sits spectacularly on the cliff top overlooking Falesia, one the Algarve’s loveliest beaches. There are stunning ocean views through the umbrella pines along the fairways. Only nine holes but still a real test of golfing skill.

Our verdict: a great nine hole course, but you could have a full round at Laguna for a similar fee

Archirtect : Martin Hawtree

2,274 metres

Par 34 (9 holes)

Handicap ; Men 28 Women 36

Recent additions:

Victoria, Vilamoura. Yet another Vilamoura course! In the Laguna/Millennium area. Construction is now complete, but tee times are not yet available.

Balaia Golf Village, near Albufeira, is an enjoyable par 3 course. Also a pleasant place for lunch on the terrace by the first tee and ninth green.


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